Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing

I think each of us can relate to this, both personally and professionally. How much time do we spend on things that aren’t part of our core mission? It seems we are challenged to accomplish so much in such a small amount of time. One of the easiest ways for us to fall short is to simply work hard on the good things, while the great things are ignored.

How easy it is for the best to be sacrificed on the altar of the good!

If the leader fails to maintain his/her FOCUS (and, thus, the workgroup’s focus), the team lacks direction and clarity. Confusion and complexity increase. So, what is the main thing in your organization? You have to determine that for yourself and your team. All of your energy and attention should be directed on keeping the main thing the main thing!

You might say, “I know what the main thing is around here.” That’s good. Now let’s test the waters and see if everyone on your team shares that knowledge. Ask each of your employees to identify your organization’s “main thing.” Get ready for a surprise.

You will face distractions (almost daily) that will want to pull you from the main thing. Be resolute in maintaining a laser-like focus on accomplishing goals built around the main thing.

Now, from a biblical point of view, what would Jesus say is “the main thing?”

“He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Luke 10:27 New International Version).

Love God. Love people.

Sounds simple. Difficult to apply.

As the world distracts each of us every day, may the LORD provide us with the wisdom to recognize and the discipline to pursue “the main thing.”

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About Keith Starcher

Dr. Starcher is a full-time faculty member in the DeVoe School of Business at Indiana Wesleyan University. He has 30+ years of experience in both Fortune 500 and family-owned businesses. Keith and his wife, Margaret, grew up near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and to this day remain loyal Steelers’ fans.